Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Car Accidents

The human brain is comparable to the Earth’s oceans; we have learned a significant amount about each one, yet there is probably still a vast amount that is unknown. The big difference between studying the brain and the ocean is that one reveals a great ordeal about our physical and mental health, and the other is a significant body of water with resources. While it is essential to keep learning more about what we don’t know, establishing causes and effects with the brain is crucial. An unfortunate event that could happen to the brain is experiencing a TBI, traumatic brain injury. While a magnitude of reasons can cause a TBI, it is clear that car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. One only needs to look at the statistics to see TBI’s seriousness, especially concerning car accidents.

Understanding the Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are prevalent and account for many injury-related deaths in the United States. Sosin emphasized the seriousness of TBI-related fatalities as early as 1989, revealing that five others are hospitalized for every person who dies from a head injury, and an additional 26 seek outpatient medical care. This sobering reality depicts the vast number of lives affected by TBIs each year. According to historical data, a 22% decrease in the death rate was attributed to brain injuries in the United States between 1979 and 1992. However, the decline in motor vehicle-related fatalities was offset by a 13% increase in firearm-related brain injury deaths. This intricate interplay of factors highlights the complexities of dealing with brain injuries in various contexts.

Examining the Literature on Traumatic Brain Injuries: Insights and Historical Trends

Examining the literature reveals that while there have been publications addressing the incidence of head injuries in the United States, most of these studies occurred between 1980 and 1991. In most of these reports, transportation-related incidents emerge as the leading cause of new cases of brain injuries. Notably, studies have revealed that approximately 75% of people with head injuries due to motor vehicle accidents were occupants of cars or trucks.

Most studies on the incidence of traumatic brain injuries have been conducted over the last 15 to 20 years, with none explicitly addressing brain injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. This is why the comprehensive statewide surveillance study conducted in Maryland from 1994 to 1996 stands out in this context. In a span of three years, 7,750 people in Maryland were admitted to hospitals due to car, truck, or van accidents. A startling 2,925 people, or approximately

37.8% of these drivers, suffered from Traumatic Brain Injury, an alarming statistic highlighting the severe consequences of car accidents. In Maryland, the yearly occurrence rate of severe TBIs necessitating hospitalization was 74 cases per 100,000 people. This ominous figure shows the car accidents’ toll on our communities. Combining the two statistics paints the bigger picture: Car accidents that lead to hospitalization have roughly a 1 in 3 chance of causing severe TBI.

Unraveling the Link: Crash Characteristics and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Despite existing knowledge, research into the characteristics of crashes, vehicles, and drivers concerning the nature and severity of brain injuries is limited. Some studies have attempted to link crash characteristics to motor vehicle-related brain injuries. For example, regarding brain injuries, an analysis of impact direction among drivers admitted to trauma centers found no significant difference between frontal and left lateral crashes. More profound crash reconstruction studies, on the other hand, have revealed novel insights, such as that those with severe brain injuries were more likely to be involved in lateral crashes, even when wearing seatbelts. Furthermore, contact with side window frames and A-pillars during crashes was frequently linked to severe brain injuries. Surprisingly, many of these injuries occurred at low changes in velocity, highlighting the critical importance of even seemingly minor collisions in causing traumatic brain injuries.

Confronting the Harsh Reality: Car Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injuries

This research illuminates the characteristics of drivers, vehicles, and crash-related factors that contribute to brain injuries. Uncovering these findings reveals that the predictors of serious

injuries differ slightly from those influencing overall TBI incidence. Based on the data available from various sources, it is evident that car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including severe brain hemorrhages. In summary, the data paints a vivid and alarming picture of car accidents’ devastating impact as a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, including severe brain hemorrhages. The statistics, studies, and historical trends discussed here emphasize the importance of continuing efforts to promote road safety and prevent the life-altering consequences that these accidents can bring.

References

1.Dischinger, P. C., Ho, S. M., & Kufera, J. A. (1999). The epidemiology of Traumatic Brain Injury: A statewide study of hospitalized Maryland drivers. Annual Proceedings / Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3400224/

2.Statistics and causes. Leading Causes for Traumatic Brain Injury | TBI Causes. (n.d.). https://www.myshepherdconnection.org/abi/Introduction-to-Brain-Injury/Statistics-and-Causes

Kash Legal: Advocating for TBI Victims in Car Accidents

In the past year alone, Kash Legal has handled a significant amount of cases that involved a TBI and car accident. We take any personal injury cases where our clients are pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, tuckers and regular automobile drivers. If you feel as though you have suffered from a TBI or other injury due to a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. To ensure that you proceed correctly following an incident, reach out to our attorneys for a free consultation that will increase the value of your case at a minimum.